Get a bunch of women together and bring up favorite movies. Chances are, one or more will start gushing about “Steel Magnolias,” the 1989 Sally Field-Dolly Parton-Julia Roberts film about a group of feisty Southern gals.

Frankly — and don't hate me for this — I wasn't a fan. The original had its moments, but it just wasn't my pitcher of sweet tea.

That's not the case with Lifetime's heartfelt, down-to-earth remake, “Steel Magnolias,” which debuts at 8 tonight. Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (“Chicago,” “Smash”) updated the play and screenplay by Robert Harling, set it in present-day Louisiana and brought in an impressive African American cast.

While performances in the original were just short of over the top, and its situations were steeped heavily in sap, here they remain real — albeit amusing at times. Queen Latifah delivers an understated, but strong, performance as M'Lynn, Field's matriarchal role in the motion picture. Alfre Woodard provides some effective comic relief as crabby Oiser, whose bark masks a sincere concern for her friends. Phylicia Rashad also is fine as her steadier-tempered pal Clairee.

Truvy, the troubled wife who owns the beauty salon where the women meet and chat, is re-envisioned poignantly here by Jill Scott (“The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency”). As for the central role of M'Lynn's daughter Shelby, originated by a pre-“Pretty Woman” Roberts, that's handled beautifully by Rashad's real-life daughter, Condola Rashad. As Shelby, a young woman who isn't about to let diabetes and eventual kidney disease get in the way of marriage, childbirth and otherwise living her life to the fullest, the pretty newcomer balances headstrong behavior with a sweet generosity that really gets to you.

While the movie inspires more than a few tears, especially toward the end, I didn't feel as manipulated into them as I did by the motion picture. Instead, I came away from this “Steel Magnolias” feeling warm and emotionally satisfied.

London calling

Having trouble waiting for the third season of “Downton Abbey”? You may find comfort in the second round of the similarly structured “Upstairs, Downstairs,” which bows at 8 tonight on PBS and runs through Nov. 11.

After all, the original “Upstairs,” which ran on PBS from 1971 through 1975, was the first to give birth to the mingling of stories of the upper class and working class. Part two of the new incarnation returns us to 165 Eaton Place and the posh London digs of Lady Agnes and Sir Hallam and the servants who keep the house running smoothly. Only things aren't quite so smooth these days. It's 1936, and everyone is feeling uneasy about the threat of war with Germany; they even try out gas masks in case of a sudden strike. Head housekeeper Rose (Jean Marsh, who has a moving cameo) has left, and a spirited nursery maid named Beryl has arrived.

Still, life goes on — cooking, cleaning and social engagements with people such as Ambassador Joe Kennedy and his son, John, not to mention lots of romance, forbidden and otherwise. Agnes (Keeley Hawes) has returned home from the complicated birth of her second child and gets perked up by a flirtation with a charismatic American millionaire. Her diplomat husband (Ed Stoppard), meanwhile, not only is preoccupied with the increasingly chaotic state of Europe, but with newly kindled feelings for Agnes' dangerously defiant sister Persie (Claire Foy).

Thrown into the juicy mix is Hallam's aunt, Blanche (Alex Kingston, “Doctor Who”), a renowned archaeologist who has moved into the house following the death of Lady Maud. She brings in her own touch of scandal thanks to her romance with a married woman.

While full of historic touches, such as the gradual realization of the Nazi persecution of Jews and the changing roles of women, “Upstairs, Downstairs” also serves up plenty of tasty personal bits to keep you salivating.

Jeanne Jakle's column appears Sundays and Wednesdays in S.A. Life, and she blogs at Jakle's Jacuzzi on mySA.com. Email her at jjakle@express-news.net.